Gavin Broke His Toe

[BG and Gavin]

UPDATE 05/01

Well three weeks and two broken splints later. The vet decided not to splint again. The bone is not mending and despite our fastidious care, moisture managed to make it’s way in. The moisture was causing issues between the pads (no open sores, just yeasty). He is not in pain and seems to be walking okay (mostly). They shaved between his toes and we are keeping things dry. A couple of other scabby spots on the leg make him want to lick, but we are watching that too. We have been supporting the foot with a sock and a boot for walks, which are few due to the frigid temps this week. Roll the ball, the shell game and long conversations are part of the daily routine as well as brushing and massages. The vet said amputation will be his last option. He is hopeful that Gavin will just manage with it. 

Not sure how he did it, perhaps playing in the snow or he knocked it on the step coming into the house, but Gavin broke his toe. It is the outermost toe on the back leg and not a weight bearing toe; which is good. He is also handling his splint like a true champ and in typical fashion has been very stoic despite what I have read about the pain this type of injury causes. In fact he did not even flinch during the entire vet exam. The vet says it is a displaced fracture (clearly visible in the x-ray). Fingers crossed that it mends okay or else it will have to be removed. The vet says that would not be a big deal (although I would like to avoid that!). He is on a low dose of NSAID and an antibiotic. 

Any feedback on recovery for this type of injury would be appreciated. He is walking great with the splint. We keep him on leash to potty, but he needs a fair bit or walking in order to produce (if you catch my drift). Our current strategy is spouse 1 walks him til her produces and then calls spouse 2 for a ride back. However Gavin is dying to break free and run. I will ask more questions next week when the splint is re-checked but I think it has to be on about six weeks, which will be extremely tough for such an active dog who runs like crazy and walks at least an hour per day.

Check out his ginger bread man splint cover.

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Awww...that's too bad.  I'm surprised dogs are as tough as they are....sometimes mine are so wild.  Cute Christmas covering.  Hope he's on the mend and back to his old self soon.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Joani. He is one tough cookie for sure. Just one of his many endearing qualities.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Poor Gavin. It sounds like you have a good plan going.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Nancy. 

[Leslie and Halas]

Ouch!  Sorry buddy.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Leslie. Luckily he does not seem to have any discomfort.

[Stella]

Oh, ouch Gavin!  Sending healing thoughts. Time for some brain exercise - feed his kibble in a snuffle mat, play the shell game, teach him nosework, join the Facebook Canine Enrichment group for activity ideas, watch the YouTube video on crate rest activities, purchase a couple of Nina Ottoson games for him......... that should entertain him for a couple of hours at least!!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/canineenrichment/

https://youtu.be/YfL99xcEpXc

[BG and Gavin]

Thank you Stella. I checked out that fb group. Lots of resources there and I was able to find out what a snuffle mat was. Very interesting.

[Stella]

If you are at all 'crafty' snuffle mats are pretty easy to make. If not, like me (!!), you can buy them. My friend in Toronto has a small company making interactive dog toys, and snuffle mats are one of the things she makes:

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/BigCityBirdDogCo

My guys love their snuffle mats!  It is a great, low energy, way of keeping them occupied :)

[BG and Gavin]

My only question: where do you put the topper? Lol a little food group humour for you ;)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Poor Gavin, hope that toe heals perfectly and is soon good as new! 

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Karen. I had to take him in yesterday as he has already broken his first splint. I think it would help if he lifted the bad leg to pee instead of vice versa. The new one is even bigger than the old one!